Niman Ranch Commits $1 Million Dollars to Family Farmers

Sustainable pork company launches program of financial incentives for
hog farmers

March 25, 2014 04:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

LATIMER, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Niman Ranch announced their commitment to provide up to one
million dollars to help support family farmers, including: diversified
farmers, young farmers and veteran farmers, who focus on sustainable hog
farming. The fund will underwrite a program of farmer incentives
including bank co-signs, growth bonuses and gilt and sow financing
available to those who raise or intend to raise hogs for the sustainable
pork company.

Consumer demand for humanely raised, antibiotic-free pork continues to
grow. In a recent Midan Marketing survey, after learning about
antibiotic use in livestock, 72 percent of the shoppers said they were
interested in purchasing antibiotic-free and hormone-free meat.

Niman Ranch has been purchasing hogs from independent family farmers
since 1996 and currently partners with more than 700 farmers and
ranchers. However, to meet the rapidly growing pork demand, the company
is in need of additional family hog farmers to join its program.

“We are committed to supporting family farmers who raise hogs using
traditional methods,” stated Jeff Swain, Niman Ranch CEO. “When trying
to expand business operations, finances are often a barrier for farmers.
We hope that our fund can provide a viable option for more family
farmers to grow successfully.”

The incentives are available both to farmers currently raising hogs for
Niman Ranch and also to those interested in joining the program.
Interested farmers should contact the Niman Ranch Latimer office
directly at (641) 579-6594, for additional information.

About Niman Ranch

Niman Ranch is a network of more than 700 sustainable U.S. family
farmers and ranchers who raise livestock traditionally, humanely and
sustainably to deliver the finest-tasting proteins. Niman Ranch’s
independent family farmers practice the highest standards of animal
husbandry and environmental stewardship. Niman Ranch’s fresh, smoked and
prepared meats are available at fine restaurants and select grocery
stores nationwide.